In his book Molders of the Modern Mind: 111 Books That Shaped Western
Civilization (1961), Robert B. Downs stressed that "there is no intention
here to offer another list of 'great' books, or 'best' books. The basic
principle of selection is to discover those books that have directly influenced
the history, economics, government, law, scientific thought, and other
aspects of Western life since the beginning of the Renaissance in Europe.
Many of the books that made the greatest impact during these five hundred
years are badly written works, lacking in literary style, but presenting
revolutionary new concepts or highly emotional appeals." He places emphasis
"primarily on the sciences and social sciences, especially the biological
and physical sciences, economics, political science, history, education,
and sociology." Belles-lettres are omitted unless the "cultural or sociological
impact is readily apparent." Downs devotes 3-4 pages to each of the following
titles that are ordered by date of publication.